Becoming a father for the first time is, of course, a big deal. A new life is something to be cherished and treasured and yet at the same time, it’s quite a significant change. There’s someone new coming into your life that you will be responsible for; its your job to make sure your child grows up with a solid roof over his/her head, that there’s enough love to go around, that everything is as it should be.

Fatherhood is definitely a life changing event. Many new fathers experience a rollercoaster ride of emotions—it’s not just expectant mothers who are fraught with emotional highs and lows. There’s the excitement of being dad, mixed with fear of not being a good enough parent, along with dread about the changes that will have to be made.

Being a father means that your entire life is turned upside down. Changes are going to come.

These fears are familiar to most new parents. In fact, most dads to be are more than a little anxious about their new found responsibilities. It’s perfectly normal to be nervous. According to psychologists, most men have anxieties regarding fatherhood.

It can be a difficult time in fact, but confronting the common fears that new dads and dads to be are facing can be quite helpful.

Here’s a look at some of the common worries and fears that face new dads to be.

One of the major issues that comes up when a new child is expected in a household is money. Money, is, of course, a contentious issue in most contexts, but it can be particularly troubling when it concerns providing for a child. Babies and children in general aren’t cheap. Expect to spend at least $10,000 in the first year alone. It may seem like a lot of money, especially in fiscally tight times, but you can make it work.

Careful planning and tight budgeting are a necessity of preparing for a new child. You do have to make some concessions. You can live a more simple, less consumption oriented lifestyle. Keep in mind too that babies don’t require all the latest toys or the newest clothes—all they really need is some TLC, tender, loving care.

Another big concern that often comes up has to do with health issues. Many parents, both mothers and fathers to be, are worried about what could go wrong. What would happen if their child’s health is at risk in some way? The good news is that there are solid statistics to reassure even the most nervous of soon to be parents—fully 96-97% of all children are born without any health issues at all. The key is to focus on staying positive and keeping a glass half full attitude. Don’t worry.

Of course, another thing many new dads and dads to be get nervous about is whether or not they will be good dads. It’s a natural concern. But the very fact that you are concerned about being a good father just goes to show that you will be. The simple fact that you care is the first step to becoming a great dad.

When it comes to being a father just remember all you need is love.

{Big Papa}